Kidney fibrosis progressively induces kidney function loss, leading to kidney failure. Myofibroblast transition from fibroblast is significantly involved in the development of kidney fibrosis.
Previous studies revealed that sonic hedgehog (Shh), the upstream ligand of Smoothened (Smo) receptor signaling, contributes to kidney fibrosis. However, the role of Smo in fibroblast activation remains unclear.
Kidney International published a clinical update in Research Highlights on 27 Feb 2026.
The item focuses on Increased Smoothened signaling promotes kidney fibrosis through inhibiting autophagy in fibroblasts.
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